Association for Democratic Reforms moves SC challenging EC’s Bihar voter roll revision

The Association for Democratic Reforms on Saturday filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Election Commission conducting a special intensive revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls, saying that the order is arbitrary and can disenfranchise millions of voters, Live Law reported.

The non-profit organisation sought the quashing of the order, arguing that it violated Articles 14, 19, 21, 325 and 326 of the Constitution and also contravened provisions of the Representation of the People Act and Rule 21A of the Registration of Electors Rules.

Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law, while Article 19 pertains to freedom of speech and expression and Article 21 to protection of life and personal liberty.

Article 325 ensures that there is no discrimination based on religion, race, caste or sex in electoral rolls and Article 326 mandates elections to be based on adult suffrage. Rule 21A of the Registration of Electors Rules pertains to the inclusion of names inadvertently omitted.

The special intensive revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar was announced by the Election Commission on June 24, ahead of the Assembly elections expected to be held in the state in October or November.

As part of the exercise, persons whose names were not on the 2003 voter list will need to submit proof of eligibility to vote. This...

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